The kernel for the Chronicles of Chester Fritz was reading Fritz’s travel diary, which he published later in life as China Journey.  The book is a fascinating read in its own right.  I’ve re-written the events described in Fritz’s diary as one part of a novel.  As part of this re-writing, I introduced a traveling companion, Bellamy, who is the primary vehicle for my own story.  
One of the most intriguing references in Fritz’s account is the description of a “boy god” leading a rebellion against the collapsing Chinese state.  The following three entries are my adaptations of Fritz’s description of this uprising near the city of Ta-Chien-Lu.  

May 16, 1917. Wednesday. We departed early from the South Gate. The hu-sung was “on deck” as Mr. Chan had promised, and we left the city under an escort of four soldiers. This escort was changed at Shuang-liu. The British Consular general in Shuang-liu was shocked to hear we intended to make for Ta-chien-lu. He warned we would never make it through. We considered turning back, but Mr. Chan had assured us that the way was open. We shall see.
There are rumors that the Lolo people are in rebellion and have set up their own chieftains. Chinese villages have been pillaged along the mountain roads. It is unclear if these are isolated attacks or represent a new side to the upheaval that has taken China since the fall of the Qing dynasty.
Also, we have heard a queer tale, much like fiction. Yet, multiple accounts agree that the aboriginal tribes around Kuanhsien have unified under the banner of a “heaven-sent emperor.” They are moving against the Chinese with speed. Several officials have already been killed.
It is said that this new god is a former beggar boy who was taken in by a wealthy household to act as a servant. In addition to a most peculiar personality, those from his household tell of a “strange light” filling the night when the boy sleeps. A prominent lama found the boy and declared him the “leader” that was foretold in a vision. Many have rallied to this new god-figure, and this has affected some of the neighboring states.
Much of the area is comprised of semi-feudal states. Some are, for all intents, attached to China, but others are wholly independent with the rights of a sovereign state. While most maps show these states to be part of Szechwan, this fails to reflect the reality found on the ground.

May 27, 1917. Sunday. We awoke to a heavy rain at six o’clock. The bearers declared that we would need to wait out the rain. They were overruled and we departed at six thirty. The rain halted well before nine o’clock. The bearers then insisted on a rest!
Our hotel is located next to the bridge. It is quite the site; a large iron chain is suspended high above the Tung river in a long swooping arch that supports a suspension bridge.
The inn was wild with rumors of the past few weeks. The Tibetan lama has marched the army of the boy-god north of Ta-chien-lu, capturing the tribal capitals of Romichangku and Mongoon. Chinese officials have attempted to flee—but many were killed. The lama has declared that the boy-god has been sent by heaven to drive the Chinese from Tibet. Speculation is that this new crusader army will set its sights on Ta-chien-lu next. I told Bellamy that we are in for a real adventure. 

June 3, 1917. Sunday. I called today on the British consular officer, Mr. Coales. We had a splendid time. He offered me the use of his interpreter to serve as guide as we traversed the city. Mr. Coales’s interpreter is a smart-looking young man who presents himself well to both Western and Eastern sensibilities. Mr. Coales’s boy assisted me in procuring a prayer wheel. I learned that these are nearly impossible to purchase as they are passed through family lines for generations untold. I compared the practice to family heirloom bibles, but the boy did not seem to understand the custom.
Preaching in the market was a prophet of the so-called boy-god. Through Mr. Coales’s boy, I was able to learn something of this new religious uprising. The lama’s vision warned that the Chinese would soon destroy the Tibetan monasteries, but a boy-god could hold back the Chinese until the completion of a great western temple, which would stand for 1,000 years. I thought of the Chinese attire and affect of the King of Chiala and fear for what will befall Ta-chien-lu.

What strikes me about Fritz’s description is how it seems to foreshadow the Dalai Lama and the 1959’s Tibetan rebellion.  Fritz’s travel diary is laced with incredible adventures and strangeness all delivered with Fritz’s characteristic playful narrative voice.